Legal aid for five facing charges over sulky race

Five of the six men charged in connection with a sulky race on the main Cork to Limerick road which became a YouTube sensation have indicated they were pleading not guilty to all charges against them.

Wed, 28 Nov, 2012 - 00:00

Liam Heylin

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly applied for free legal aid in respect of the five men at Cork District Court, which was granted.

The cases will be mentioned on Friday and a date for trial set.

Charges in the case include dangerous driving and willful obstruction of the free passage of cars on the N20 on May 5.

The incident was recorded by one of several dozen onlookers who were following the race in a convoy of cars and vans. Clips of the incident on YouTube have been viewed about 400,000 times.

Jimmy O’Brien, aged 28, with an address at 21 Innishannon Rd, Fairhill, Cork, is charged with dangerous driving at Ballygibbon, Blarney, on May 5.

Patrick O’Brien, aged 25, of 1 Woodford, Rossa Avenue, Cork, is charged with dangerous driving of a horse-drawn vehicle, and willful obstruction of the free passage of vehicles.

James Stokes, aged 18, of St Anthony’s Park halting site in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is accused of two counts of dangerous driving, one count of willful obstruction, one count of driving without a licence, and one of holding a mobile phone while driving.

Danny Stokes, aged 46, of St Anthony’s Park halting site, was charged with two counts of dangerous driving and two of overtaking on the left-hand side.

Bernie McDonagh, aged 20, of the halting site at Nash’s boreen, Cork, is accused of dangerous driving, willful obstruction, and having no insurance.

A sixth defendant, Christopher Roche, aged 41, of bay 3, St Anthony’s Park halting site, is represented by solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher.

Mr Kelleher made an application for a copy of the prosecution statements and Mr Roche’s case will be back before Cork District Court on Dec 11, for him to indicate if he is pleading guilty or not guilty. Mr Roche is charged with three counts of dangerous driving and two counts of willful obstruction.